brainwave

/ˌbreɪnˈweɪv/

Other forms: brainwaves

Definitions of brainwave

1. noun

   the clear (and often sudden) understanding of a complex situation
   synonyms: brainstorm, insight

   types:

   light

   mental understanding as an enlightening experience

   revelation

   an enlightening or astonishing disclosure

   breakthrough, discovery, find

   a productive insight

   flash

   a sudden brilliant understanding

   type of:

   apprehension, discernment, savvy, understanding

   the cognitive condition of someone who understands
2. noun

   (neurophysiology) rapid fluctuations of voltage between parts of the cerebral cortex that are detectable with an electroencephalograph
   synonyms: brain wave, cortical potential

   types:

   alpha rhythm, alpha wave

   the normal brainwave in the electroencephalogram of a person who is awake but relaxed; occurs with a frequency of 8-12 hertz

   beta rhythm, beta wave

   the normal brainwave in the encephalogram of a person who is awake and alert; occurs with a frequency between 12 and 30 hertz

   delta rhythm, delta wave

   the normal brainwave in the encephalogram of a person in deep dreamless sleep; occurs with high voltage and low frequency (1 to 4 hertz)

   theta rhythm, theta wave

   the normal brainwave in the encephalogram of a person who is awake but relaxed and drowsy; occurs with low frequency and low amplitude

   type of:

   bioelectricity

   electric phenomena in animals or plants